A mother locked in a court fight over the future of her seriously ill 20-month-old son has told of the pain she feels at the thought of his death.

Kate James, 20, and her 21-year-old partner Tom Evans are challenging medics who say little Alfie’s life support should be ended.

The couple want to take the child, who is in a deep coma, to the Vatican-linked Bambino Gesu Paediatric Hospital in Rome for treatment which may prolong his life.

Alfie Evans is at Alder Hey Children’s Hospital in Liverpool (Alfies Army Official/PA)

But the boy’s medical team, at Alder Hey Children’s Hospital in Liverpool, believes that continuing life support is “unkind, unfair and inhumane” and says ventilation that helps him breathe should be withdrawn.

Ms James told the Mirror: “The pain that you feel when you get told your child is going to die. It is physical.

“You can feel it all over you body, it is not just in your head. Your body aches. I don’t know how to explain it, it is an unbelievable feeling, it comes from all over.”

The medics say none of Alfie’s senses are intact, there is no hope for a cure and further treatment is “futile”.

The court case, being heard at the High Court in Liverpool, is in its second week.

Ms James said the couple will be “distraught” if they do not win their court fight, but told the newspaper: “If it does not go our way we will appeal.”